Pacific media’s portrayal of type two diabetes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| dc.contributor.author | Eden, Chelsea | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-25T20:51:18Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-25T20:51:18Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Pacific countries experience the highest rates of type two diabetes (T2D) in the world. Type two diabetes is a chronic health condition, resulting from the bodies inability to regulate insulin, and when left untreated can result in serious health consequences. Diabetes is the nineth leading cause of death worldwide, and T2D is the most prevalent, accounting for 90% of diabetes cases. Little is known about how media frames T2D across New Zealand and the Pacific. This study used reflexive thematic analysis to examine Pacific print media, to identify the messages about T2D. Specifically, it looked into how T2D is described and portrayed, and the causes, effects, and solutions that are reported across the articles. The study analysed 103 online Pacific print media articles. Key themes were: the description of what T2D is, and the causes, effects and solutions of T2D. New Zealand articles tended to present a broader perspective, considering wider factors such as globalisation, neoliberalism and determinants of health, and the differing impact this has on populations. Contrastingly, the majority of articles originating in the Pacific, focussed on a specific aspect of T2D, such as a specific, cause, effect or solution. Articles varied in framing of T2D, its impacts, and explanations regarding its causes and effects. These framings included T2D being presented as a life-long condition, a treatable illness, a disease, and a lifestyle issue. However, the articles tended to lack depth of discussion, such as framing healthy eating as a solution and cure but not unpacking what this means. Western, neoliberal ideology dominated the media articles with no articles covering Pacific models of health. Many of the causes of T2D and its more serious consequences were attributed to the individual’s choices and globalisation. The effects across articles were often presented as dire and extreme, with articles generally focused on one effect (such as amputation). Solutions across articles again very much focused on what the individual should do, with articles focused on a single solution with little justification or alternative provided. There were few articles examining sustainable and value aligning changes that could be made to reduce the incidence of T2D and its consequences. Overall, the media portrayed T2D as a serious noncommunicable disease that is a burden on society with Pacific people positioned at risk. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/71522 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Massey University | |
| dc.rights | The author | en |
| dc.subject.anzsrc | 520304 Health psychology | en |
| dc.subject.anzsrc | 451614 Pacific Peoples public health and wellbeing | en |
| dc.title | Pacific media’s portrayal of type two diabetes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand | |
| dc.type | Thesis |